Our client is a fast-paced engineering distribution and logistics organisation with c.1,300 employees and multi-million-pound turnover. Reporting to the HR Director, the HR Business Partner will be responsible for embedding a robust, commercially focused HR Business Partnering model, with employee relations at its core. This role requires a deep, practical, and resilient ER specialist who is comfortable operating at pace, handling complex and high-risk cases personally, and working closely with senior leaders in a highly operational, on-site environment. This is not a light-touch or policy-only role. The successful candidate must bring strong personal credibility in employee relations, be confident challenging poor practice, and have the presence to influence leaders while protecting the business from risk.

Job Title: HR Business Partner (Employee Relations Focus)

Location: Near Harborne, Birmingham (5 days per week on site)

Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 per annum + benefits

Reporting to: HR Director

Employee Relations – Core Accountability

  • Act as the lead ER authority for the business, providing expert, hands-on support across all employee relations activity.
  • Personally manage and advise on complex, sensitive, and high-risk ER cases, including:
  • Disciplinary and grievance matters
  • Performance and capability management
  • Long-term and complex absence cases
  • Investigations, suspensions, hearings, and appeals
  • Conflict resolution and employee conduct issues
  • Ensure ER cases are handled fairly, consistently, and in line with UK employment law, ACAS guidance, and internal policy.
  • Maintain high standards of case documentation, process discipline, and decision-making.

 

HR Business Partnering & Leadership Influence

  • Partner senior leaders and operational managers across engineering, distribution, and logistics functions as a trusted, credible HR advisor.
  • Work with the HR Director to embed a true HR Business Partnering model, shifting the function towards proactive, value-adding support.
  • Coach and challenge managers to raise capability and confidence in managing people issues effectively.
  • Balance employee experience with operational and commercial realities, offering pragmatic, risk-aware solutions.

Policy, Governance & Risk Management

  • Own and continuously improve ER policies and frameworks, ensuring they are practical, legally compliant, and consistently applied.
  • Proactively manage ER risk, including early intervention to reduce escalation, tribunal exposure, and reputational impact.
  • Analyse ER trends and themes, providing insight and recommendations to the HR Director and senior leadership team.

Change, Culture & Organisational Support

  • Provide ER leadership through organisational change, including restructures, role changes, and workforce consultations where required.
  • Support the development of a culture of accountability, fairness, and respectful employee relations across the organisation.
  • Contribute to wider HR initiatives that improve performance, engagement, and people management standards.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Capability

  • CIPD Qualified – Level 7
  • Significant experience as an HR Business Partner or Senior HR/ER professional in a large, operational, and people-intensive environment (e.g. logistics, distribution, engineering, manufacturing).
  • Demonstrable, hands-on strength in employee relations, with a proven track record of managing complex ER cases end-to-end.
  • Strong, current knowledge of UK employment law and best practice.
  • Confident operating in a fast paced, on-site environment, with the resilience to handle challenge and ambiguity.
  • Ability to influence, coach, and challenge senior managers while maintaining strong working relationships.

Lily Shippen is a leading business and executive support recruitment agency in the UK. We recruit top-tier talent across HR, executive support, and business operations roles, ensuring organisations can access the expertise needed to thrive.

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